First Unitarian Endowment Fund

Matching Legacy Gift Grant

Information regarding “Wake Now Our Vision”, the matching legacy gift grant funded by the UU Congregation of Shelter Rock , may be found through the following link: wakenowourvision.org. The program is in effect for new legacy gifts made to our congregation between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2020. The match is 10% of the gift with maximum of $10,000.00. The link provides information about the matching grant program as well as the application form that must be submitted.

About the Endowment Fund at First Unitarian

The First Unitarian Church of Des Moines Endowment Fund was created in 1987. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for the church membership to make gifts and bequests to express their lasting appreciation for the blessings and bounty bestowed upon them and for the services, work and influence of the church on community life. Funds are NOT spent on general operations of the church.

The Endowment Fund Bylaws were amended in 2017 to reflect changes since 1987 in the manner in which investments are managed and the way in which annual grants from the Endowment are funded. Management and operation of the fund is handled by a committee of 7 individuals elected for 3-year terms and chosen for their diverse skills as they relate to fund management, promotion and growth. Click here to read the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Endowment Fund.

Current donations: Click on the Give On-Line button above, or submit cash or check (preferred) or other financial instrument to Deb Dessert, Director of Finance and Administration, with a note indicating that the contribution is for the Endowment. Checks should be made out to "First Unitarian Church Endowment Fund".

Donations in a will or trust: After the will or trust document is completed, inform Deb Dessert, DFA, that you are making such a bequest and provide a copy of the relevant document(s).

Restrictions: the Endowment does not accept gifts of property. Gifts to the Endowment typically do not restrict the use of that gift for a specific purpose.

Disbursements

The Endowment contains a provision for using up to 2% of the value of the fund as of December 31 to fund grants that are awarded on July 1 of the subsequent fiscal year. Since 2008, the Endowment Development Committee has accomplished this task through a program known as REACH (Radical Engagement And Creative Happenings).

REACH Grants

Any member or church group may apply for a REACH grant. Typically REACH grants are used for such things as equipment purchases, educational opportunities for members, and community outreach. The amount of money available for REACH grants varies from year to year. Grant applications are typically sought beginning in April and awards are announced in July. Click here for more information on REACH grant guidelines and the application and awards process.

Endowment Development Committee Members

Feel free to contact the Endowment Development Committee at endowment@ucdsm.org if you have questions, would like to make a donation OR include the Endowment Fund in a will or trust.